An incident from Swami Vivekananda’s wandering days in Rajputana
The Visit to the Court
During his Parivrājaka (wandering monk) days, Swami Vivekananda traveled through Rajputana (modern Rajasthan), observing the customs of various princely states.
He was once invited to the court of a wealthy and powerful Rāja (King) – a man proud of his lineage, palace, and vast riches. But outside those palace walls, Vivekananda saw the stark poverty of the villagers who sustained the kingdom.
The Question of Status
Eager to impress, the Rāja began a discussion on Vedānta. He claimed that true knowledge (Jñāna) was only for those of high birth, education, and leisure – people like himself – and dismissed the poor as incapable of spiritual realization.
Vivekananda listened quietly, and then asked:
“Your Highness, who is the real Rāja (King) and who is the real Bhikshū (Beggar) in this kingdom?”
The Rāja laughed and said, “I am the King, of course — and those poor villagers are the beggars.”
Vivekananda’s Reply
Vivekananda smiled and said:
“No, Your Highness. You are the beggar, and the poorest laborer in your land is the true King.”
He explained:
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The King is the Beggar
The Rāja depends on others for everything — taxes, praise, possessions, and peace.
His happiness is borrowed from the world, so he is always begging for it. -
The Laborer is the King
The simple worker earns his bread through his own effort.
He is free, content, and master of his own small world.
He rules himself — and that is true royalty.
The Teaching
Vivekananda’s message was clear:
True kingship is not in thrones or jewels, but in Svarājya – mastery over one’s mind and desires.
The man who governs himself is greater than one who rules millions.
“He alone is the true Rāja who needs nothing from the world,
and the poorest man who depends on himself is rich beyond measure.”
Vedik Mind 